On Our Way to the Movies

Our original plan was to just catch a showing of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, but after a stop or two, we decided to make it a whole Saturday outing.

While we walking and trying to settle on a place to eat, we came across Rosebud on Rush (N. Rush Street), and who can't agree on Italian? The place was cozy and warm, a nice change from the windy cold outside. The food and service was excellent and with Pierre's love for Italian food, we'll be there again.

Rosebud on Rush (720 North Rush Street)

Once we finished our lunch, we started to walk towards the movie theatre to catch an early showing, and made a couple more stops.

Chicago Fire Station

A (creepy) wooden horse in the middle of the park.

Northwestern Medical School

We then came across the Museum of Contemporary Art Store. After loving all the different and interesting home decorations, jewelry, and odds and ends, we decided to give the museum a quick tour. Check out the photos below!

"America's Joyous Future"

The staircase reminded us of M.C. Escher's Relativity.

Pretty effective, if you ask me.

A suit made of felt.

I want this as a curtain!

We walked out of the way to catch a movie and found a new restaurant, a water tower-esque fire station, a wooden horse, and toured a museum.

Oh yeah, and we made it to the movies.

Freebies: Dexter!

I am a huge fan of Dexter (Showtime), so when I found out there was going to a free sneak peek of the season premiere, I had to go! It was held at the Chi Bar at the Sheraton right across the street! Unfortunately, I do not know anyone in Chicago that watches it, so I bravely went by myself. (Wish you were here, Brian and Adriana!) I met a couple people in line (half an hour wait) and once we were seated (a whole 'nother hour), so it was a fun time! The venue was a little small, so some of us were forced to sit on the floor, myself included, but we all had a view of a TV since they were everywhere. For my readers that are also fans of Dexter, the season premiere wasn't epic (how could it be after the last season?) but definitely good; those 45 minutes flew by! Prior to the premiere, you had the option to enter a raffle and of course, I did. After the show I stuck around, and guess what? I (and some others) won the raffle! I got an adorable figurine of Dexter which I now proudly display. I can't wait for the rest of the season!

The line to get into Chi Bar.

Dexter about to start!

My own Dexter!

Freebies: Dessert!

Since Chicago is a great, big city, there's a lot of free things to take advantage of. Sweet, right? So, as I spot these secret or not-so-secret free items or activities, you can check them out too!

And speaking of sweetness, as I was walking down on Michigan Avenue, I spotted a Top Chef Just Desserts truck! Needless to say, I enjoyed my free and delicious chocolate cupcake from Sugar Bliss and a chocolate chip pretzel cookie from Bake.

Free desserts? Sure!

Thanks Top Chef!

19 Days Later

I officially have been living in Chicago for 19 days! I live in the middle of everything! I'm steps away  from Michigan Avenue where you can find almost every store imaginable, a walk away from the trains, and have views of the tallest buildings in the city and the country! 

While Pierre and I haven't done anything too touristy or out of the ordinary, I'm loving my time here. We've done a lot of getting things that I needed and didn't bring with me (blowdryer and such) because two suitcases could not hold everything of mine and any excuse to buy new things is never a bad thing.

The weather here has been beyond perfect. So far, of course. It seems like everyday is around 70˚ or so with sunny skies. There is never a lack of wind in this city, and while it is refreshing and pleasant right now, recently I've been getting hints of how this wind can be anything but in the winter. I'm getting ready for a couple days of loving it and months of wanting it to stop!

Beautiful Chicago!

For the past 19 days, Pierre and I have mostly done lot of walking around and learning how to get around the city, so now it's time for our out and abouts!

Pierre and I absolutely love eating out, so we've picked up this new activity of trying new restaurants, and we're definitely in a perfect city for that. For the Gators's first football game, we found the best hot wings (and amazing onion rings and awesome ribs) in Chicago at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap. We'll definitely be back for another game to try their BBQ!

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap (41 East Superior Street)

Wings, ribs, and onion rings, oh my!

We also went to Fashion's Night Out 2010 and enjoyed drinks, music, and fashion shows at the stores on Michigan Avenue. That night had me getting pumped about NY's Fashion Week and all the cute Fall clothes I'll be able to wear soon!

Checking out the Saks fashion show.

Inside the stunning Ralph Lauren store.

Enjoying more Ciroc than pineapple juice.

Pierre and I finally braved out to go past Downtown to go a bit north to Lincoln Park. Pierre is in the process of buying furniture and it's the best place to do so. After shopping, we found Epic Burger, a place where I've heard rave reviews of and I'd have to agree with with the public, it was pretty epic (sauce included).

The Red Line to Lincoln Park.

The view of Downtown Chicago from Lincoln Park.

Epic Burger (1000 West North Avenue)

Sprinkles has finally opened! For those that know me, you know my love of cupcakes, so I was so excited to finally try their famous cupcakes!

Deliciousness!

Chocolate Marshmallow for Pierre and Red Velvet for myself.

Thanks for reading, everyone! Stay tuned for photos I've taken of Chicago's beautiful architecture and hopefully an awesome update on my job search!

Somewhere Over Illinois

I officially have left Florida and am now somewhere over Illinois! As I'm enjoying the whole row I have to myself on this perfect Southwest flight, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone that has been just as excited as I have been about this huge move. And a special thanks to everyone that has made my last month throughout Florida such a memorable one.

My luxurious set up.

Almost there!

Illinois could not welcomed me in a better way; as we started our descent, we were greeted with an alternative view of a rainbow, from above!

Somewhere over Illinois.

With all the packing and moving, visiting and spending time with family and friends, and even driving to the airport, the idea of moving to the Midwest didn't hit me until I saw the beautiful skyline of Chicago at sunset.

Home!

I hope everyone has an amazing Labor Day weekend! I'm sure to have a lot to tell soon!